Now with storage and disassembly of ammunition

RHEINMETALL has announced the takeover of Muni Berka GmbH, a company based in Dietersdorf, Saxony-Anhalt, specialising in the field of ammunition disassembly and storage. The aim of the now contractually agreed takeover is to significantly increase the group´s own storage capacities, which have become necessary due to the considerable growth in the group´s production of ammunition and components.

The acquisition also expands the group´s network to gain capacities for the disposal and recycling of explosives, as well as further research and development expertise in the field of explosives, fuses and pyrotechnics.

The parties have agreed on confidentiality regarding the purchase price. The transaction is still subject to the usual regulatory approvals.

In addition to Dietersdorf, Muni Berka has a location in Ochtrup (North Rhine-Westphalia). The existing infrastructure enables Rheinmetall to have a direct access of the acquired capacities without any loss of time or further follow-on investments.

With this acquisition, the group significantly increases its storage capacity for raw materials, such as explosives, as well as for projectiles, fuses, primers and propellant modules (collectively referred to as ‘full shot’). The acquisition enables Rheinmetall immediately to permanently store more than 1 million 155 mm projectiles or 500,000 155 mm full shots. This increase is particularly necessary in connection with the new production site in Lower-Saxony at the Unterlüß site, where up to 350,000 artillery shells per year shall be produced in the future. The strategic intention here is also to be able to fulfill the requirements for security of supply in Germany by generating domestic value added.

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “In order to secure Germany's strategic sovereignty in the field of ammunition production, we are creating a national production site in Unterlüß, Lower-Saxony, which will primarily ensure the supply of the Bundeswehr. By significantly expanding the necessary storage capacities, we are once again investing in the security and defence capabilities of our country and our partner countries”.

With Ochtrup as a large site in North Rhine-Westphalia and another factory in Germany, the acquired sites of Muni Berka fit seamlessly into Rheinmetall's production network. Even production from Spain can be stored here. Since acquiring Expal Munitions in August 2023, Rheinmetall has seven operational sites in Spain. Rheinmetall plans to produce up to 1.5 million artillery projectiles per year by the end of 2030.